Langdon to wait on board call

By
ADAM HOLMES

MICHAEL Langdon looks set to vacate the board of Bendigo Health before November.

BOARD CHAIR DECISION: Michael Langdon is weighing up his options.

NEW Liberal candidate for Bendigo West Michael Langdon could remain on the Bendigo Health board even after the beginning of the official election period.

Mr Langdon said he could be required to step down as chair when writs are issued on November 4, however law changes in 2004 meant board members could retain their positions.

The current board chair of Bendigo Health, Mr Langdon said November 4 would be the latest date he would vacate the position.

"Once the election is called, that would be the latest moment that I would leave it to," he said.

"I take the role of chair very seriously, and would do nothing to undermine that role."

Mr Langdon is currently serving his second three-year term as chair of the board, and was on the board during the amalgamation between Bendigo Base Hospital, Anne Caudle Centre and Bendigo Psychiatric Services.

He said he was proud to have been involved in the most productive period in Bendigo Health's history.

"We are currently experiencing a record surplus and have treated the most patients in the last 12 months than during any other period," Mr Langdon said.

Bendigo Health said it would not comment on the future of the board and that the health minister was responsible for all appointments.

Victorian health minister David Davis said there was no obligation for Mr Langdon to step down.

"Labor changed the law in 2004 to make it clear that board members could remain in board positions and Michael Langdon is entitled to remain in position as chair of the board, but will step aside nearer to the election period," he said.

"Michael Langdon has been chair of Bendigo Health through a time when the biggest hospital project in regional Victoria's history is being delivered."

Mr Langdon received 35.1 per cent of the primary vote when he ran for Bendigo East in the 2010 election.